HC Deb 17 October 1994 vol 248 c133W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the national health service executive has stopped the development of continuum trainees in urology pending the establishment of a unified training grade.

Mr. Malone

There are already a number of established pilot projects looking at how individual specialties, including urology, might organise a continuum of training. There are no plans to develop more in advance of the introduction of the new unified training grade for junior doctors. The current urology scheme in Northern and Yorkshire region will continue.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many continuum trainees in urology have been appointed.

Mr. Malone

None. All higher specialist trainees, regardless of specialty or participation in regional pilot projects associated with 'continuum' training, are still appointed to the registrar or senior registrar grades in accordance with existing terms and conditions of service.